WASHINGTON, DC - On Thursday, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), introduced the Fair and Equal Treatment of Women in the Coast Guard Act to improve recruitment and retention of women in the U.S. Coast Guard. U.S. Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH) introduced a companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives in April. The bills stem from a RAND study, commissioned by the U.S. Coast Guard that identified barriers to attracting, recruiting and retaining women and recommended ways to improve gender diversity in the service.

The Fair and Equal Treatment of Women in the Coast Guard Act requires the Coast Guard to submit a report to Congress on implementation of the recommendations from the RAND study no later than 180 days after enactment. Additionally, the bill requires the Coast Guard to submit a report to Congress every two years on gender diversity in the Coast Guard.

“Women should have every opportunity to serve and succeed in the U.S. Coast Guard. I am proud to lead this bill to help the Coast Guard attract and retain more women—and benefit from their outstanding talents and service,” said Blumenthal, a member of the U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Security.

“Our military is stronger when it attracts talented individuals and better reflects the public it serves. Based on RAND’s research, we can clearly be doing far more to ensure that women have the same protections and opportunities for advancement as their male counterparts,” said Pappas, Vice Chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. “I look forward to working with the Coast Guard leadership to foster inclusivity so we can continue to attract and retain our nation’s best and brightest.”

In the Senate, the bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).

“I commend the Coast Guard’s ongoing efforts to improve inclusion and gender diversity, including commissioning a rigorous female retention study. By promoting transparency and accountability, this legislation would foster equity and career advancement for women in the Coast Guard. As the ranking member on the Senate Commerce subcommittee on Security, I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Coast Guard to ensure they can successfully recruit, retain, and support a diverse and dedicated workforce,” said Markey.